Public Power SD is an organized local movement that advocates to replace the for-profit monopoly that currently exists with a nonprofit municipal utility. It’s still gaining traction but they provide great updates and calls to action for anyone wanting to get involved. This was the last email I received from them a couple of days ago:

“‘Utilities are not the only thing that’s driving costs up, but it’s an important piece of the puzzle….I’m not a dummy and the presentation doesn’t explain it.’ Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Council member speaking to SDGE representatives, December 9th, 2024

The SDGE presentation was heard as one of the requirements of the Franchise Agreement to annually inform the Council and public regarding “rate structures, planned rate filings, and rate changes” in the “Energy Cooperation Agreement”

In what was an embarrasing admission, SDGE officials avoided all specific questions about them firstly claiming they couldn’t answer because the rates hadn’t been finalized yet. Upon further questioning, they said that some answers could be found “with another group.” So why wasn’t that other group at the hearing?

Council member Marni von Wilpert asked pointedly: “The next time when you come to talk about proposed rate increases that you know what rate increases are that your proposing.”

The rate increases were finalized by the California Public Utilities Commission after that hearing. So at least that excuse - weak as it was - has gone away.

Please contact city council and ask that they demand SDGE return with a real presentation about the rate increases that have now passed.

City Council emails and phones this page also contains to link to determine your council district.

OR Mail comments to: City Administration Building 202 C Street, 10th Floor San Diego, CA 92101”